The Wondrous Wonders
on Goodreads (1,145)
What’s inside...
With irresistible wit and brilliant strokes of watercolor, Camille Jourdy brings this dreamlike fable to life. Wondrous Wonders is a tale of pure magic for children and adults alike. Hurt by her parents’ divorce and struggling to accept her new stepfamily, Jo decides to run away and live alone in the woods. But she soon discovers that she’s far from alone. Jo stumbles into a fantastical world full of tiny elves, talking foxes, and mischievous, multicolored ponies known as the Wondrous Wonders. Her new friends are on a mission: rise up against Emperor Tomcat, the tyrannical leader who rules the enchanted forest they call home. Can Jo find the courage to vanquish an evil empire and get back to her family before dinnertime?
Age
6-10
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What parts of the book made you feel the most curious or excited?
How do you think the main character felt during their adventure? Can you relate to their feelings?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the story?
If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would it be?
Imagine you could add a new character to the story. Who would they be and how would they change the adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child lead the discussion, listening actively to their thoughts and questions about the story.
Use follow-up questions to dig deeper into your child’s understanding and feelings towards the characters and plot.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life scenarios to help your child relate to the story and its lessons.
Encourage your child to express their own ideas and imagine alternate endings or plot twists. This nurtures creativity and critical thinking.
Acknowledge your child's responses and feelings about the book, validating their thoughts and promoting a positive reading experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Kindness
Explanation: In 'The Wondrous Wonders,' the characters often go out of their way to help each other, emphasizing the value of being kind and considerate.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing, helping peers with tasks, and displaying empathy towards friends and family members.
Example Lesson: Value of Curiosity
Explanation: The protagonist’s quest in exploring new places and meeting new friends teaches the significance of curiosity and learning.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore new subjects, ask questions, and embrace learning opportunities both at school and in everyday environments.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face challenges which they overcome through perseverance, teaching children the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can mirror this trait by not giving up when facing difficulties in their studies, sports, or other activities.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: Many obstacles in the story are overcome through teamwork, highlighting how collaborative efforts can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working with others to reach a common goal, which can be applied in team sports, group projects, and family tasks.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Diversity
Explanation: As the characters interact with a variety of individuals, the story celebrates different cultures and viewpoints, advocating for openness and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and appreciate diverse perspectives and backgrounds, fostering inclusivity in their interactions.